Iodine And Your Hypothyroid Symptoms

One of the first things most people will tell you is that if you have the signs and symptoms of a hypothyroid you should consider having your iodine levels checked. Iodine plays a very important role in the function of your thyroid. Your thyroid contains the cells in your body that absorb the iodine and transform it. The transformation from the iodine is what your thyroid uses to help produce hormones referred to as T3 and T4. Without the proper amount of iodine to help support your thyroid, it becomes sluggish and under-active creating hypothyroid symptoms in your body. This in turn can help to contribute to you having a sluggish metabolism.

There is a home test that you can perform to check and see if you have low iodine levels. 

All you need is a cotton ball and a bottle of USP tincture of iodine.

Dip the cotton ball into the iodine and create a 1 to 2 inch circle on the soft part of your skin such as on the inside of your upper arm or inner thigh. 

Then you wait. If the yellowish stain disappears within an hour it may mean your body is in need of crucial iodine and that is why it is soaked it up. 

If the iodine stain remains for more than four hours, your levels should be fine.

Caution: if you suffer from Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis please be careful with the use of iodine. Increasing your iodine levels may actually cause more damage and inflammation to your thyroid instead of helping to heal it.

It is always better to get iodine from natural sources whenever you can. Iodized salt is a great source here in the U.S., however it is heavily processed. Kelp powder can be a great natural source and is easily found at your local health food store.

As with any condition, please be sure to consult with your physician before trying any home natural treatments.